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This week a packed meeting of organised by Hoole Community Forum discussed the future of Alexandra Park and ongoing legal issues in connection with the lodge sale.

Linda Webb addresses a previous meeting of Hoole Community Forum.

Lead campaigner Linda Webb claims Hoole residents are still being disrespected saying the community was not kept in the loop over the results of a consultation on the park plans.

Mrs Webb, who ideally wants the council to use the £249,000 towards buying back the lodge, said in a Facebook posting: “Officers did not meet their promise to Hoole residents to feed back the results of a ‘consultation’ about their park to the community.”

She added:“Council officers completed a plan for Alexandra Park a few days before Christmas. A list of ‘stakeholders’ was drawn up by officers without reference to your views.”

The park keeper's lodge.

One aspect of the plans is to reduce the number of tennis courts from six to five to create separation between the courts in line with Lawn Tennis Association recommendations.

But some are concerned discussions have taken place over the possibility of Hoole at Mickle Trafford Tennis Club operating and maintaining the courts – given the controversy over the lodge ending up in private hands.

Some of the proposed plans have changed since the consultation held last January.

An idea was mooted for a community café on the site of the dilapidated veterans’ hut. But now this is intended to be an outdoor hub that could host events, mobile catering and act as a meeting point.

There are plans for refurbished entrances, improved pathways, new park furniture and changes to toilet facilities.

The dilapidated veterans’ hut

One aspiration is for the council to create the borough’s first pollinator park in partnership with Chester Zoo which could open up funding opportunities from non-profit company WREN.

Existing heritage flower borders would be rejuvenated with nectar rich plants to attract bees, butterflies and insects as well as providing seasonal displays. A bee trail will guide and educate park users through the gardens, which will feature bug and bee ‘hotels’ designed by local school children.

Residents are invited to view the final plans and discuss how they can be part of Alexandra Park’s future at two drop-in sessions. They will be held in Alexandra Park’s Bowling Pavilion on Wednesday, February 20, and Saturday, February 23, between 10-noon.

Councillor Louise Gittins

Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “Alexandra Park is one of Chester’s most prestigious heritage parks but is in need of some care and investment.

“Consultation involving the community last year to gauge views identified the key priorities and improvement areas for the project. The feedback from these sessions has shaped the final design.

“In an age where bee numbers are dwindling, the pollinator park will help encourage visitors to learn how they can help sustain a thriving insect population in their own gardens.”

The council will be working with Chester Zoo to help form a Friends group for the park. Volunteers will also be encouraged to help maintain the soft landscape features of the park alongside the council Street Care Service and Chester Zoo’s Wildlife Connections Campaign. Schools and residents can get involved in biodiversity counts and wildlife studies.